Arsenal let £12m prolific striker join La Liga club

Arsenal have chosen not to trigger Carlos Vela’s buy-back clause, as the Gunner have agreed to sell their half-stake to Real Sociedad for £8.8m, which could rise to more than £12m depending on the number of appearances he makes and the club’s success.

According to report from The Times, Arsenal will receive £400,000 from Sociedad, if the La Liga outfit qualify for the Champions League and £280,000 if they reach the Europa League in the next four years.

Furthermore, Arsenal have inserted a clause that will see them earn a small fee, should Vela is sold to another club in future for an undisclosed fee.

The Mexican has been a revelation in Spain, since he joined Sociedad. He scored 16 goals and was also credited with 12 assists in 37 league appearances for Sociedad in the past season. It was thought that Arsenal could re-sign the former player for just £4m, but the Gunners have chosen to make a profit on the deal by allowing Vela to continue in La Liga with Sociedad.

Arsenal also looked at the possibility of signing Joseba Zaldúa, the highly rated young defender, as part of their negotiations with Sociedad.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are also looking to sell striker Marouane Chamakh as well. French outfit Bordeaux have made a last-ditch attempt to persuade the Moroccan to return back to his old club, but it seems he will sign a two year contract with Crystal Palace, who are offering him about £40,000 a week.